Does the Timing Belt Age in 8 Years?
2 Answers
Under normal circumstances, the timing belt will age in 8 years. Purpose of the Timing Belt: The function of the timing belt is to connect the upper and lower parts. The upper part connects to the timing pulley of the engine cylinder head, while the lower part connects to the crankshaft timing pulley. The timing pulley is connected to the camshaft, which has cams. The contact point is the small rocker arm, which generates pressure through the power transmitted by the timing belt, thereby lifting. Advantages of the Timing Belt: The timing belt has been used in engines for a long time, with mature technology, lower cost, and less noise. However, it requires regular inspection and maintenance, and generally needs to be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 kilometers.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have experienced several timing belt aging issues. I can confidently say that an 8-year-old belt will definitely deteriorate. Rubber materials are prone to hardening and becoming brittle due to heat, moisture, and time, leading to cracks or slackness. Maintenance manuals generally recommend replacement every 6 to 8 years, depending on mileage. From my experience, if you mostly drive short distances in the city, the belt ages faster; if you drive less on highways, it might last slightly longer, but the risk remains high. A broken belt can not only damage the engine's valve rods, potentially costing tens of thousands in repairs, but also leave you stranded on the road, compromising safety. I recommend regularly checking the belt tension and looking for signs of abnormal wear or noise. Don't gamble with luck—replacing it early can save you a lot of money.
